Rum in the News Image Title.
MONTANYA DISTILLERS
It’s a new year and there are several exciting changes happening at Montanya, from a new tasting room and headquarters location to launching their new distillery. Simplicity is their focus for 2022. Montanya has been dreaming of merging their tasting room and headquarters and they are finally able to make it happen. The office and restaurant staff can now collaborate under one roof and streamline many of the daily processes. The goal was to bring the focus of the new tasting room back to a rum-centered establishment with high-quality cocktails and delicious appetizers. Head Chef Nunu Mbokwana and menu creator Rose Reyes collaborated to bring new dishes to the Montanya experience. This entirely gluten-free menu also offers several vegan, diary-free and vegetarian options. After a year of jumping through hoops, they are finally able to launch their new distillery, with a new still that will allow them to produce eight times more rum than before, without additional staff. The new still was custom built by Bridgetown Systems in Portland, Oregon to meet specs laid out by Montanya’s owner and founder Karen Hoskins. It is a 500 gallon alembic copper pot still with a lentil and bell, aka a double reflux system. It is steam jacketed and is connected to a number of sustainability systems such as closed loop water handling for cooling, cooling that is not powered by glycol but by their high elevation, natural environment and an on-site cooling tower. They are separating stillage for biodigestion on site. https://www.montanyarum.com/
PLANTATION
Plantation Rum and the team at West Indies Rum Distillery have released a coconut-infused rum made by the best artisan talents from Barbados. Plantation Cut & Dry mixes two icons of the Caribbean culture, rum made using local molasses and infused Bajan coconuts, with a perfect ratio of one coconut per liter of rum. They partnered up with farmer Mr. Anthony Nicholls whose farm lies just a few miles away from the distillery.
Perfectly balanced and flavorful, the natural taste and true character of Plantation Cut & Dry will surely please all the mixology artists. Cut & Dry highlights the unique flavor of Bajan rum and its connection with the island, by promoting the rich heritage of farming communities. It is a limited edition exclusively available in Barbados.
Also new from Plantation is the latest release from their Vintage Collection, Jamaica 2007. It was produced at the legendary Clarendon distillery. Distilled in a Vendome double-retort pot still after a 3 to 4-day fermentation in wooden vats, the Jamaica MSP 2007 expresses the delicate flavors and distinctive character of the Jamaican light pot-still rums. An exquisite edition showcasing the extraordinary diversity of Jamaican rums and enhanced by double aging technique. This expression was aged thirteen years in the tropical climate of Jamaica and matured for another two years in French oak Ferrand casks in the southwest of France. https://www.plantationrum.com/
APPLETON ESTATE
Appleton Estate announced the launch of the Ruby Anniversary Edition, a limited-edition release celebrating Master Blender Joy Spence’s 40 years of craftsmanship with the distillery. Ruby Anniversary Edition is an exclusive release unlike any before it in the brand’s 270-year history; it is a blend of five exceptionally rare Jamaica rums, aged for a minimum of 35 tropical years, and including rums as old as 45 years, resulting in a complex sipping rum like no other. With only 500 bottles available, this offer is a luxurious gem for rum lovers, a commemorative release for the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry, and a taste of decades of craftsmanship and dedication. Ms. Spence’s trailblazing accomplishment is proof of her pioneering mindset and commitment to excellence in her work. An energetic, unbelievably skilled and deeply passionate force of nature, Joy has worked at Appleton Estate for four decades and proudly served as its Master Blender for nearly a quarter of a century, pouring her vast knowledge and perfectionism into every bottle of Jamaica’s most-celebrated rum. Joy’s unparalleled sensory skills, allowing her to detect the most delicate notes in her rums, are the crowning jewel of her dedication and expertise. “Forty years ago, I had the opportunity to channel my passion, talent, and knowledge into a role at Appleton Estate,” recalls Spence. “I was honored to join one of the most revered world-class brands, in the place I call home. Forty years later,” Spence continues, “from luxury editions to permanent expressions, I am still immensely proud to continue to innovate and produce luxurious aged rums at the highest quality standards, suited for every occasion. Since 1981, my goal has been to create the world’s most exquisite, refined aged rums and to share them with the world. This special edition marks a milestone for me and was created using some of the finest stock in our over 200,000 barrels.” https://appletonestate.com/
COPALLI RUM
A new year brings an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to rid yourself of unhealthy habits and commit to doing better in the year ahead. While some may resolve to lose weight, exercise more, or spend less, increased concerns about climate change have many consumers resolving to live more sustainably. This year Copalli suggests eco-minded consumers to keep that resolution with Copalli Rum. Copalli Rum is an organic, single estate rum created to protect the rainforest of Southern Belize. The premium rums, available in white, barrel rested and cacao, are made from organic sugarcane, rainwater and yeast in a distillery designed to be carbon neutral. Resolving to live sustainably has never been more popular. In fact, a report, commissioned by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and conducted across 54 nations by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), found that interest in sustainable goods had increased by 71 percent in just five years.
While some brands only talk about environmental responsibility, Copalli Rum is creating a path for others to follow.
“Even before there was a distillery, there was a commitment to sustainability and preserving the Belizean Rainforest,” said Mark Breene, CEO, Copalli USA. The founders have spearheaded the philanthropic support of the local community in Southern Belize for more than 20 years, through a legacy of rainforest preservation, marine conservation, and support of local education. Copal Tree Distillery supports the local community as the largest employer in Southern Belize, providing more than 100 jobs in a clean and safe working environment to residents. “Copalli Rum is the choice for consumers looking for a premium rum that is not only good in cocktails, but good for the planet,” added Breene. “Oh, and for those who still want to start a new diet, Copalli Rums are also gluten-free and keto friendly.” www.copallirum.com
PROPELLER RUM
The Taiwan News reported that Taiwan has purchased a total of 20,000 bottles of rum from Lithuania to save the liquor from being potentially blocked by Chinese customs. Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation (TTLC), a state-owned manufacturer and distributor of cigarettes and alcohol, confirmed Taiwan has procured the Lithuanian liquor at the request of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), wrote Mirror Media. The MOF reportedly did so after a wine exporter pleaded for help from the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania because a cargo of rum due to arrive in China on Dec. 20, 2021 might have faced customs issues. According to the exporter, a beer shipment already faced such a fate at Chinese borders. Last month Chinese customs removed Lithuania from its list of origin countries, virtually blocking cargos from the country from being filed, per Reuters. The sanction, among other measures, was imposed to punish the Baltic nation for allowing Taiwan to open a de facto embassy. The 20,000 bottles of dark rum, manufactured by MV Group and sold under the brand of Propeller, arrived in Taiwan on Jan. 9. The rum will be available at spirits distributors across the country, the first of its kind on the market, said TTL Vice President Liao Chih-chien.
HAPPY RAPTOR DISTILLING
Last month, Happy Raptor Distilling announced the second annual seasonal release of its bestselling infused rum, 504King Cake! Produced exclusively for carnival season, this unique rum infusion is handcrafted in the Crescent City from only real ingredients and 100% Louisiana molasses. Notably, a portion of sales from every bottle of 504King Cake sold through Mardi Gras Day will benefit Grow Dat Youth Farm. “It’s important to us that 504King Cake earns the appreciation of locals first,” says co-founder and chief brand officer Meagen Moreland-Taliancich. “Louisianans know when a product has been made with them in mind, and New Orleanians certainly know good rum and good times. For the city’s first Mardi Gras in two years, we couldn’t be prouder to present 504King Cake again this season.” 504King Cake begins as a flavorful, Caribbean-style white rum handcrafted in Happy Raptor’s Central City distillery with 100% Louisiana molasses, picked up directly from a century-old sugar refinery in Belle Rose. This unique infusion is crafted with roasted pecans, hand-cut orange peel, vanilla beans, and cinnamon. These whole ingredients infuse into the white rum for several weeks before they are filtered, bottled, and labeled by hand. 504King Cake contains no artificial ingredients, unnecessary added sweetening or syrups. “The quality of the ingredients we use has a huge impact on the outcome of each batch of rum,” says co-founder and head distiller Mark Taliancich. “For us to continue producing a beautiful local product, responsible and equitable agriculture is essential in Louisiana. For this reason, we are very proud to support Grow Dat Youth Farm for this year’s release.” In keeping with sacred king cake tradition, 504King Cake is a limited, seasonal release available from Epiphany (January 6, 2022) through the end of carnival season. Happy Raptor opened its doors on February 14, 2020, only hours before the first uptown Mardi Gras parade, and one month before the pandemic shut down businesses in Orleans parish. This seasonal release joins Happy Raptor’s signature line of infused 504Rum which includes 504Hibiscus, 504Bananas Foster, 504Silver and 504Gold. https://www.happyraptor.com/
WRAY & NEPHEW
The Jamaica Observer reported that J Wray & Nephew Ltd has raised its collective glass to its employees by allowing them to spend up to five percent of net salary to buy shares in parent company Campari Group. The move came about after an internal survey of employees showed that there was concern that the ‘regular man’ was not enjoying the sweets of the profit made by Italy-based Campari. J Wray & Nephew’s director of human resources Jacqueline Cuthbert told the Jamaica Observer that the scheme, which was launched last October and took effect on January 1, had been off to a ‘spirited’ start. “The backdrop to doing this was that we have a bi-annual employee engagement survey and one of the pain points was the perception among 60 percent of our employees that they did not feel they had a share of the profits of the organization or share in the company’s success. That was one of the main drivers for the Campari Share Plan, which is an Employee Shares Option Plan (ESOP). When we did deep dive into that response from the survey, the primary concern was yes, it’s great that we receive bonus on an annual basis, but we would like to have a bigger stake in the company. The feedback was across the company. We took it seriously. We know we had a population that was keen to invest in the company or invest in the vehicle that’s attached to the company,” said Cuthbert. After the closing of the enrollment period between October 18th and December 17th, Campari Group is now able to announce the participation rate of its employees who decided to join the ESOP, amounting to 51.6% of all eligible employees. The first of its kind since the Company’s listing on the Italian stock market 20 years ago, the ESOP is yet another testimony of Campari Group’s ever stronger and long-lasting commitment towards its people in line with the long-term perspective which has always characterized its strategic vision. http://www.jwrayandnephew.com/, https://www.camparigroup.com/
DR. YESO PERSAUD
The South Florida News reported that Dr. Yesu Persaud, one of the most influential people in the Caribbean rum industry over the past 60 years, has died at the age of 93. Dr. Persaud made an indelible impact on both Guyana’s rum industry and the Caribbean rum industry. In 1975, he became the Executive Chairman of Diamond Liquors Limited, and served in that capacity for over four decades. During that time, he led the Guyanese rum industry through many changes. Including combining Diamond Liquors and Guyana Distillers Limited into a single company under state control , Demerara Distillers Ltd. and then the subsequent divestment of Demerara Distillers as it returned to be a publicly traded company with thousands of stakeholders. In addition to his work at Demerara Distillers, Dr. Persaud served as the Chairman of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) from 1990-1992. Together with Jamaica’s Evon Brown and Patrick Mayers of Barbados, Dr. Persaud played a pivotal role in obtaining funding for the Caribbean Rum Sector Program. This program allowed many CARIFORUM rum producers to substantially benefit from upgrades to their facilities. The program also added training and marketing, to transition from low-margin bulk rum to high-value branded products. Current head of Demerara Distillers and Chariman of WIRSPA, Komal Samaroo, said, “Yesu was a mentor, friend and distinguished gentleman. Under his Chairmanship, El Dorado rums became a popular, national brand. With his people-focused style of management, the company was restructured, and this pioneered us in the right direction. His role in WIRSPA, as a former Chairman, led at that time, to the significant improvement of the regional rum industry, through the benefits reaped from the Caribbean Rum Sector Program, which saw producers from across the region significantly developing their infrastructure and staff. Guyana has lost a true statesman. On behalf of the board of directors and all WIRSPA member-producers, we offer our deepest condolences to the Persaud family and to the nation of Guyana on the loss of a true son of the soil.” https://www.wirspa.com/, https://demeraradistillers.com/
BACARDI
Bacardi will bring a splash of island spirit to the UK this winter with a limited run of new Caribbean-inspired domino sets.The domino tiles have been expertly crafted from reclaimed oak barrels that were previously used to age BACARDÍ rum under the Caribbean sun. As well as giving the upcycled rum barrels a second life, this also ensures each individual piece is unique and one-of-a-kind. Each tile has been engraved with an eye-catching tropical design and the set comes with a bottle of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, which has been aged for eight years for a deep and complex flavor. This aging process makes it the perfect rum to elevate cocktail classics, such as a BACARDÍ Ocho Old Fashioned or Old Cuban, or it can also be appreciated as a sipping rum, neat or on the rocks, with its mellow flavors of dried fruits, spices and oaky vanilla. “We’re proud to be bringing culture, competitiveness and cocktails to the UK through our partnerships with bespoke joiners NDRJ and artist PopCaribe. With domino tiles crafted out of barrels from our distillery in Puerto Rico that have been given a second life, to the stunning, uniquely engraved design, we hope our sets not only create moments of good-spirited competitive fun over an Ocho Old Fashioned, but also become a keepsake to be treasured for years to come. This unique set could mark the start of a tradition for families across the country, just like the game of dominoes itself is a tradition in Caribbean culture, or how enjoying the finest form of rum has been a Bacardi family tradition passed down from generation to generation,” says Marie Peyto, BACARDÍ UK Brand Director. The domino sets are available at https://minimauk.com/. https://www.bacardi.com/
FORMER BACARDI PLANT
Eye Witness News Bahama reported that developer Mario Carey is interested in building a regional disaster relief and recovery center that would fly into action the second a storm was predicted. The former Bacardi rum distillery and operations center on the south-central side of New Providence is a 62-acre site that includes every possible ingredient, existing warehouses, sprawling acreage and the most essential ingredient of all, vast waterfront to deploy recovery and relief vessels. “It’s no longer a matter of if, but when the next natural disaster will strike,” said Carey. “All the data dating back to when storm records started to be kept shows that of all the islands in The Bahamas, New Providence is the best protected and least likely to be devastated by a hurricane,” Carey explained. “On New Providence, you cannot find another property that would be better suited to serve in a regional capacity for relief and recovery than the Bacardi plant.” Carey, who in recent years has taken his super sales background into brokerage with a cause, envisions an operations command center that is created either through a joint venture or private enterprise with agreements in place between those who lease space and store supplies and those who manage the facility. No politics, no cost to government, he said.
